Illuminate USA is hiring: Senior Quality Engineer (Visual and Electroluminescenc

Senior Quality Engineer (Visual and Electroluminescence)

Apply locations Pataskala, OH posted on Posted 2 Days Ago time left to apply End Date: March 31, 2025 (30+ days left to apply) job requisition id R-471

Illuminate USA, a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, is building one of the largest solar panel manufacturing factories in the Western Hemisphere. This 1.1 million-square-foot factory is currently in the advanced stages of preparation in the Columbus, Ohio area. Illuminate USA is seeking highly motivated team members to help the company grow from startup to a full scale, industry leading manufacturer with $1B - $2B expected annual revenue and over 1,200 employees in less than two years.

Job Summary:

We are currently looking for a Senior Quality Engineer (Visual and Electroluminescence) for our new factory in Columbus, Ohio. This position will be primarily responsible for the development of quality defect criteria; optimization and calibration of automated inspection machines; training and qualification of inspectors for quality inspection tests such as automated visual inspection and automated electroluminescence inspection. This position will interface internally with Production, Equipment and Process Engineering and externally with camera and artificial intelligence (AI) vendors for the development, maintenance and continual improvement of quality inspection equipment.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, analyze and document quality defect criteria for photovoltaic products associated with visual and aesthetic defects (fractures, contamination, scratches, solar cell spacing, string spacing, etc.) and electroluminescence defects (shunts, microfractures, zero current, etc.).
• Collaborate with equipment vendors for automated visual inspection and electroluminescence cameras to optimize mass production-level inspection.
• In-charge of defect data collection as part of artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives; review VI and EL inspection data for accurate and consistent detection of solar cell and solar panel manufacturing-related defects.
• Interface with cross-functional internal groups such as Data Automation Quality Engineering, Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering and Production to standardize implementation of corrective actions related to quality inspection.
• Develop training modules and conduct training for quality inspectors; assess and improve inspection competencies of inspectors using Attribute Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R) or other similar methodologies.
• Perform Statistical Process Control and Capability Studies (defect rate analysis, Cpk and Ppk analysis) to properly understand accuracy, stability and capability of quality inspection processes.
• Read and interpret product drawings, bill of materials, product certification standards (such as IEC 61215 and IEC/UL 61730) to align quality inspection procedures and other internal documents.
• Monitor and coordinate proper calibration and maintenance of inspection equipment to maintain accuracy and reliability.
• Other critical duties that may be assigned by Quality Managers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electronics, Mechanical or Chemical) or Science (Chemistry, Physics) with at least 8 years working experience and 5 years of which in quality inspection development role.
• Knowledge of automated optical inspection, electroluminescence, photoluminescence or other similar technologies is a MUST.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning, preferred.
• Strong experience in manufacturing operations and quality within the solar, optoelectronics, semiconductor or automotive industries.
• At least 4 years solid experience in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R) and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).
• Familiar with Quality Control Plans, Process/Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (P/DFMEA).
• Able to work cross-functional and under pressure and communicate effectively with multiple levels within the organization.
• Adept in root cause and technical analysis to identify product defects and drive escalation of issues to quality managers and other cross-functional groups such as Production, Equipment and Process Engineering.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite; prior experience with statistical analysis software such as JMP or Minitab.
• Knowledge of product certification standards related to the solar industry (UL 1703, IEC 61215, IEC/UL 61730, etc.), preferred but not mandatory.

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

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